Lab Publishers is dedicated to ensuring the integrity and quality of the research we publish. Our peer-review process is designed to provide a rigorous and fair evaluation of submitted manuscripts, promoting scholarly excellence and transparency. Below is an outline of the steps involved in our peer-review process.
1. Initial Submission
Authors submit their manuscripts through the journal’s system of choice. Each submission should adhere to the journal’s formatting and style guidelines.
2. Editorial Review
Upon receipt of a manuscript, the editorial office performs an initial review to assess:
- The manuscript's alignment with the journal’s scope and aims.
- Compliance with submission guidelines.
- Overall quality and originality.
If the manuscript does not meet the journal's criteria, it may be desk-rejected at this stage, and the authors will be informed of the decision.
3. Selection of Reviewers
If the manuscript passes the initial review, the editor-in-chief or an associate editor will select appropriate reviewers. Reviewers are typically experts in the field relevant to the manuscript's content and are chosen based on their knowledge, experience, and impartiality. We aim to maintain a balance of expertise and diversity among reviewers.
4. Peer Review
The manuscript is sent to at least two independent reviewers who evaluate it based on the following criteria:
- Originality and significance of the research.
- Validity of the methodology and analysis.
- Clarity of presentation and adherence to ethical standards.
- Contribution to the field of study.
Reviewers will provide constructive feedback, recommendations for improvement, and a recommendation for publication (accept, minor revisions, major revisions, or reject).
5. Reviewer Feedback
Reviewers typically have 2-4 weeks to complete their reviews, although this timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the manuscript and the availability of reviewers. Once the reviews are received, the editorial team will compile the feedback and make a decision regarding the manuscript.
6. Editorial Decision
Based on the reviewers’ comments and recommendations, the editor will make one of the following decisions:
- Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication without further revisions.
- Minor Revisions: The authors are requested to address specific issues and resubmit the manuscript for a second review.
- Major Revisions: The authors are asked to make significant changes and resubmit the manuscript. It may be sent back to the original reviewers for a follow-up evaluation.
- Reject: The manuscript is not suitable for publication in its current form and will not be considered for resubmission.
The authors will receive a decision letter along with the reviewers' comments to help them understand the basis of the editorial decision.
7. Revision and Resubmission
If the authors are asked to revise their manuscript, they will be provided with a deadline for resubmission. They are required to submit a revised manuscript along with a detailed response to the reviewers’ comments, indicating how they addressed each point.
8. Final Decision
After resubmission, the revised manuscript may be sent back to the original reviewers for further evaluation. Based on the reviewers’ feedback on the revisions, the editor will make a final decision regarding publication.
9. Publication
Once a manuscript is accepted, it will undergo copyediting, formatting, and proofing before publication. Authors will receive proofs to review prior to final publication.
10. Transparency and Accountability
Lab Publishers is committed to transparency in the peer-review process. We encourage open and constructive feedback and will uphold high ethical standards throughout the process. Reviewers are required to declare any conflicts of interest, and all submitted manuscripts are treated confidentially.
By adhering to this rigorous peer-review process, Lab Publishers aims to ensure the publication of high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
